First transfer from mainland to Nauru

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) yesterday announced the successful transfer of the fifth group of irregular maritime arrivals to Nauru - the first transfer to depart from the mainland after setting off from Darwin.

An Australian High Commission release said the group, comprising 31 Sri Lankan men, departed Darwin yesterday on a charter aircraft, escorted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), DIAC staff, interpreters and medical staff. The group arrived in Nauru.

The completion of this transfer reaffirms the strong message of deterrence for anyone considering risking their lives on dangerous people smuggling boats. There will be no advantage for boat arrivals.

It also shows that all asylum seekers who arrived after the August 13 changes are subject to new regional processing arrangements, regardless of whether they are located on Christmas Island or the mainland.

On arrival in Nauru, transferees were subject to immigration, customs and quarantine clearance processes. They will now be settled into their accommodation at the temporary facility and go through induction processes.

Selection of this group was based on operational considerations and an assessment of their particular circumstances to confirm transfer was appropriate.

Transfers will continue to take place regularly as part of the new policy of regional processing of irregular maritime arrivals.